Not Your Typical Deli - Autistic staff

Post Reply New Topic

Cashier Cordell Sherwood, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, remembers people would ask his parents how they felt knowing their child would never be normal.

“That is the kind of misconception of autism that needs to stop,” Sherwood said. Not Your Typical Deli is trying to break those types of misconceptions. More than 70 percent of its 15 employees have a disability.

Sherwood said working at the deli has helped him gain independence.

“Consistency is a big part of a successful restaurant,” he said. “(The employees with autism) thrive with routine, which makes working at a restaurant very easy, makes us owning the restaurant even happier because it runs like a top.”

Most customers who come in the door do so because of positive online reviews, and they don’t necessarily know about the deli’s commitment to hiring those with disabilities, Rieth said.

“They’re like, ‘Wow, really?’ We just came here because you have five-star rating on Yelp. That’s spreading true awareness,” Rieth said.